We order our coffees and settle into a cozy corner, dishing about everything from the latest Hollywood gossip to our personal lives. The conversation is light and full of laughter until Natalie, ever the blabbermouth, lets something slip.
"So, when's the wedding? You and Enzo make such a perfect couple," she says, her voice casual but curious.
I choke on my coffee a bit, caught off guard. “There’s no rush. We’re happy where we are.”
“Fine. Just make sure when it does happen, I won’t have to wear a horrible polyester nightmare of a bridesmaid’s dress,” sheteases.
I laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Changing the subject, I lean in, lowering my voice playfully. "So, tell me about this new role you're eyeing. Are you seriously going to be working withtheTimothee?”
Her eyes light up, and she’s off to the races.
“Well, he’s not confirmed for the part yet, but the director is desperate to get him on board.”
We dive back into the safer waters of movie roles and upcoming projects, but Natalie’s teasing lingers in my mind, a gentle echo of the commitment conversation I know Enzo and I can't avoid forever.
I still get a little thrill every time I pull up to our swanky beachside pad in Malibu. This place is somehow even bigger than Enzo’s old digs in the Hollywood hills, with sleek, modern lines and windows so large and clear you feel like the ocean's breaking right on your toes.
As I get out, the salty breeze and the soothing rumble of the waves hits me. Before I can even grab the takeout from the car, Connor and Callie come barreling out the door like a couple of pint-sized whirlwinds, screaming, “Mommy!” Their hugs are the best part of my day, hands down.
Behind them, Mom saunters out, ever the picture of chill in her role as the world's coolest grandma. She’s rocking her new digs in the guest house like she was meant for Malibu life, telling the twins it’s time to scrub off the day’s adventures.
“Off you go, you two,” she chimes, herding them back inside.
I head into our house, where every room is a postcard. The kitchen’s a masterpiece—massive, with appliances so fancy they practically do the cooking for you. I drop the takeout on the island, looking forward to the delicious Thai food inside.
Just then Enzo strides in, dressed in a sharp suit and that killer smile that still gives my heart a flip. He wraps me up in one of his movie-star-worthy kisses that says he’s just as glad to see me as I am to see him.
“Guess what? Your mom is on twin duty tonight,” he whispers, his eyes lighting up with mischief. “We've got the place to ourselves.”
“Oh, you don’t say?” I shoot back, matching his grin. “Sounds like someone’s planning trouble.”
He chuckles and, with a cheeky wink, steals another kiss. “Only the best kind.”
We sit down at a table scattered with Thai takeout containers, and the twins immediately launch into their version of toddler storytelling.
“Connor is building a rocket with his blocks,” Mom says, her eyes twinkling.
“And Callie apparently met a mermaid today in the pool,” she adds, causing us all to laugh.
After the feast, Mom rounds up the twins with promises of their favorite movie and a big bubble bath, their giggles fading as they head to the guest house.
Left alone, the quiet settles around us, and I notice Enzo has something on his mind. He pulls out a bottle of wine and starts to pour a glass for me, which I gently decline.
“What’s got you so quiet?” I probe as we step out onto our rooftop terrace, the sky a canvas of oranges and pinks.
Enzo leans against the railing, looking out over the ocean. “I’ve been thinking about us, about everything we’ve been through these past few years,” he starts, his voice soft. “We’ve come a long way.”
He turns to face me, his expression earnest. “You, me, the kids ... you’re my world. You know that, right?”
I nod, touched by his words, feeling the warm breeze dancing around us. “I know. I feel the same.”
He takes a deep breath, his gaze returning to the horizon. “I want to make sure you know how serious I am about us. About our future.”
I reach out, taking his hand. “I do know. But why do I feel like there’s more you’re not saying?”
Enzo smiles a little sheepishly. “Because there is. I’ve been thinking about how fast time is moving, how our lives are getting bigger and better. How I want to make sure you and the kids always have everything you need.”